McCoy Selected to 3rd Straight Pro Bowl

Justin Pawlowski

12/23/2014

Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was selected to his 3rd straight Pro Bowl on Tuesday evening. While the Buccaneers have just one true Pro Bowl selection, Lavonte David was selected as an alternate selection as well.

This is McCoy’s third career Pro Bowl selection and third consecutive, becoming the first Buccaneers player to earn Pro Bowl honors in three consecutive seasons since Rondé Barber (2004-06) and Derrick Brooks (1997-06). McCoy, the former third overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, led the Buccaneers in sacks this season with 8.5, tied for the second-most by a defensive tackle in the NFL this year, despite playing only 13 games and being limited in two others. His 13 tackles for loss are the second-most on the Buccaneers and rank as the fourth-most by a defensive tackle this season. Since his first Pro Bowl selection in 2012, McCoy is tied for the most sacks by a defensive tackle (22.5) and ranks second in tackles for loss (37).

“It’s an honor to once again be named among the best at my position by the players, coaches, and, of course, the fans,” said McCoy. “The ultimate goal is to bring a championship back to Tampa Bay, and this organization made a commitment in me to help accomplish that. It’s my job to bring my best, day-in and day-out, and I’ll continue to do that.”

McCoy joins Pro Football Hall of Famers Warren Sapp (seven) and Lee Roy Selmon (six) as the only Buccaneers defensive linemen to earn at least three Pro Bowl selections.

“I have said it many times this season, but Gerald McCoy is simply the best interior linemen in our league and he’s the cornerstone of what we are building here in Tampa Bay,” said Buccaneers Head Coach Lovie Smith. “In our defense, the interior line really sets the tone and Gerald has been special in that regard. As gifted as he is, what sets Gerald apart is his tremendous work ethic and devotion to his craft. I am thrilled his peers, the coaches and the fans have recognized him for another great season.”

The NFL also announced that linebacker Lavonte David has been named as an alternate to the Pro Bowl Roster. This season, David ranks second in the league in both total tackles (141) and solo tackles (98), while tying for the sixth-most tackles for loss (17). Since entering the NFL in 2012, David leads the league solo tackles (316), while ranking second in total tackles (424) and tackles for loss (58). He is the only player in the NFL to post 300+ tackles, 10+ sacks and 5+ interceptions in the past three seasons.